Das SOFC-Projekt Sulzer Hexis

At the present time, Sulzer Hexis Ltd develops fuel cell systems for operation parallel to the grid in an effort to satisfy a household's basic electricity needs. The waste heat generated at the same time can be decoupled via heat exchangers and fed to the hot water or heating systems. Any additional heat required is generated by an auxiliary burner.The fuel consumed can thus be utilized more efficiently than in the conventional combination of a central power station and a decentralized domestic heating system. In initial field tests, functioning on the natural gas grid and integration in a building infrastructure have been successfully demonstrated. In 1998 and 1999, field test systems for long-term trials, also fuelled by natural gas, have been installed. Market introduction of the first Hexis system with an electrical output of 1 kW is planned for 2001. Marketing partners in the introductory phase will be exclusively energy supply companies.